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Where Have All the Buttons Gone?2020 Toyota 4Runner Review
An exceptional driving experience, spacious seating and storage, and advanced amenities all make the 2020 Toyota 4Runner one to watch for.
What’s New for the 2020 Toyota 4Runner?
Toyota’s 2020 lineup of 4Runners features Toyota’s Safety Sense P, which is an integrated driver-assistance system that includes pre-collision systems with autonomous braking, lane-departure warnings, and automatic high-beams.
The 4Runner’s infotainment center display screen expanded from 6.1-inches to 8-inches and is now compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. In addition, specific models feature Toyota’s smart key, which facilitates keyless entry and remote start.
2020 Toyota 4Runner – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota 4Runner on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Superior off-road capability
Various configurations to suit numerous buyer’s needs
Great for families
Adaptable cargo area, optional slide-out floor
Not very fuel-efficient
Less refined than other crossovers
High step-in make entry and exit ungraceful
2020 Toyota 4Runner Specs
- 270 horsepower from base engine
- 278 ft-lb of torque from base engine
- 8 available trims
- 47.2 cu-ft. of cargo capacity
- 89.7 cu-ft. of cargo capacity with seats down
- Towing capacity of 5,000 lbs
- Equipped with Entune
- 4-star NHTSA rating
2020 Toyota 4Runner Powertrain
Whether the 2020 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, it is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. That V6 puts out 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. All models, except for the SR5 and Limited models, have a selectable part-time four-wheel drive. They also provide a two-speed transfer case that is equipped with a low-range setting. Limited models are full-time all-wheel drive and have a Torsen center differential that can apportion torque as necessary to the front or rear wheels.
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner truly excels off-road, but lags behind its competitors when it ventures on road. This on road problem is due to the lethargic engine response, that is unless the driver encourages it with a lead foot. The steering is lightly weighted and imprecise, which is okay while crawling along trails, but inconvenient when navigating roadways. The 4Runner does what it’s expected to with braking and turns, but this isn’t very enjoyable as a daily driver.
Towing & Payload
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner has a formidable towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. Its sturdy frame and the powerful, torque-rich engine can effortlessly handle towing. Those numbers are pretty significant for an SUV of this size. On the payload front, the 4Runner can handle between 1,495 pounds and 1,700 pounds. That means this adventure SUV is ready to add on all the outdoorsy items you’d need while out in the wilderness.
2020 Toyota 4Runner Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner does not perform as well as other SUVs in its class when it comes to fuel economy. It comes in at 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway across all drivetrain configurations. Toyota will hopefully alleviate this concern once they decide to update the 4Runner in the coming years.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
When it comes to interior comfort, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner manages to just barely meet the requirement. The interior seating isn’t anything fancy, but this is an off-road ready SUV, so the simple setup does its job. Adults can comfortably sit in both the front or rear seats. Plus, third-row seating is optional, but it can be cramped quarters that are ideal solely for children.
The cargo hold is roomy and there are several deep cubbies around the front that provide extra storage space. While the 4Runner can provide up to 89.7 cu-ft of cargo space behind the first row, it’ll take some extra heave to get the cargo in there. This SUV sits pretty high off the ground, so throwing items in the back will take a little more lift. However, Toyota alleviates this area by offering the option of a pull-out cargo deck that makes loading and unloading easier on some models. That cargo deck can facilitate up to 440 pounds and doubles as a tailgate of sorts.
Entertainment & Technology
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner features Entune, which is Toyota’s infotainment system. The standard touchscreen found in the 4Runner measures out to 8 inches. It is user-friendly, simple to understand, and responsive. For 2020, Toyota has made it compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. There are also plenty of 12-volt outlets scattered throughout the cabin in locations that allow everyone to stay plugged in.
Safety Features
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 4Runner a four-star rating. However, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety noted several poorly performing components in the 4Runners design. Toyota has integrated only a few standard advanced safety features that are commonly found from its competition. The few safety features that are included on the 2020 Toyota 4Runner are forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
2020 Toyota 4Runner Trims & Pricing
SR5 – $36,120
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner base model, the SR5, comes with notable features that include Toyota Safety Sense P, which is standard on all 4Runners. It also integrates a pre-collision system that can detect pedestrians, automatic high beams, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. It also comes with fog lights, skid plates, a trick power-sliding rear window, and a 120-volt power outlet in the cargo section. Under the hood of all 4Runner models is a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission.
SR5 Premium – $39,315
The SR5 Premium brings the 4Runner a level up from the base model. Synthetic leather upholstery is swapped in, replacing the standard cloth seats on the SR5. The front seats can also be heated to help combat chilly weather. Furthermore, both the driver and front passenger seats are power-adjustable. Other features include integrated navigation, a universal garage door opener, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
TRD Off-Road – $39,840
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road is a step up, with additional features such as locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and a crawl control function. Optional features include the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System.
TRD Off-Road Premium – $42,570
The TRD Off-Road Premium elevates the experience, including an upgraded interior that features nicer upholstery on the seating. Comfortable heated seats are another benefit of this model. In addition, buyers can choose to include an optional sunroof.
Venture – $44,385
Building off the TRD Off-Road Premium, the Venture features many of the same perks, along with a few extras. The Venture is equipped with a unique Yakima roof rack, dark gray TRD wheels, and adds some exterior black accents to spice up the exterior.
Limited – $44,985
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited presents a luxurious edge in place of its superior off-road capability. This model uses a different 4WD system than other models and a different suspension setup that optimizes comfort. However, what it loses in off-road ability, it makes up for it with other perks, including keyless entry and ignition, leather seating, and dual-zone climate control.
Limited Nightshade – $46,725
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited Nightshade mimics the features included in the Limited edition model. The only differences are visual between these models. There is black exterior trim all around in place of the standard silver and chrome accents found in the standard Limited model.
TRD Pro – $49,865
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is ideal for serious off-roaders. This model builds off the TRD Off-Road Premium, but includes several additions that make it great for off-roading. These include revised front springs, all-terrain tires, a unique front skid plate, and Fox dampers with internal bypass rear remote reservoirs. Additionally, the sunroof is standard on this model, as well as a booming 15-speaker JBL sound system.
Warranties
Unlike many other competitors in its class, the Toyota 4Runner is backed by 2 years or 25,000 miles of complimentary scheduled maintenance. They also come with a limited warranty that covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty that is good for 5 years or 60,000 miles.
What we think
2020 Toyota 4Runner – pressroom.toyota.com | Shop 2020 Toyota 4Runner on Carsforsale.com
Overall, the 2020 Toyota 4Runner provides an abundance of choices to meet the needs of various buyers. These models are excellent choices for off-roading and do alright for everyday driving. In addition, the spacious cargo area and optional third-row seating capabilities make this model an excellent choice for families. Finally, the lone engine option is capable and will exceed expectations. However, buyers should keep the lack of fuel efficiency in mind when shopping.
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